Is It Obligatory to Learn from a Teacher If Knowledge Is Available Online?

Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Question

With knowledge readily available online, is it still necessary to learn from a teacher?

Answer

In the Name of Allah Most Merciful and Compassionate.

Yes, it is necessary to learn from qualified teachers. Allah Most High has commanded us to ask those who know if we do not know, and He has instructed us to seek knowledge from the people of knowledge.

Allah Most High says:

“O Lord, increase me in knowledge.” [Quran, 20:114]

He also commands believers to ask those who know if they do not know. He says:

“If you do not know, then ask those who have knowledge.” [Quran, 21:27]

Scholars of Quranic exegesis, such as Ibn Kathir, explain that this verse indicates that Allah Most High prescribed turning to those who understand the Book, underscoring the necessity of learned scholars upon whom believers should rely for their knowledge.

The Wisdom of Learning Through Teachers

This principle is reflected in the wisdom behind sending messengers. Allah Most High could have revealed books directly without intermediaries. However, He chose to reveal His message to the hearts of Prophets who lived these teachings, exemplified them, and explained them.

This exemplification and explanation of divine guidance is among the greatest blessings of Allah upon His creation.

A teacher, therefore, provides deep insight, verification of sound knowledge, protection from misinterpretation, and guidance in applying rulings with excellence. Teachers also answer complex questions and help students understand how to live the religion’s teachings properly.

In addition, students benefit from the teacher’s spiritual state, their approach to understanding, and their character, conduct, and attitude toward the Sacred Law.

One of my teachers used to say that among the greatest things one can learn from a teacher is to have deep veneration for the command of Allah Most High.

Knowledge Is Taken Through Study With Scholars

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) taught that knowledge is acquired through study. In Arabic, the word ta‘allum means “to study under a teacher.”

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:

“The scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets. The Prophets did not leave behind dinars or dirhams. Rather, they left behind knowledge. Whoever takes from it has taken a tremendous share.” [Abu Dawud]

Scholars inherit this knowledge through chains of transmission reaching back to the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace). Through them, the teachings of the religion are preserved and reliably transmitted.

The Need for Teachers in the Modern Age

In our time, the need for qualified teachers is even greater. While much knowledge is available online, not all of it is reliable. Some information may be misattributed or misunderstood, and the abundance of unfiltered information can lead to confusion or misguidance.

Without trained, qualified, and God-fearing scholars who carefully sift and explain knowledge, it becomes easy for people to misunderstand religious teachings.

For this reason, it is especially important today to remain connected to qualified scholars and teachers.

Practical Advice for Students of Knowledge

One should strive to find qualified teachers who have studied with recognized scholars and possess sound chains of transmission. These teachers should also demonstrate upright practice of the religion, mindfulness of Allah, and the ability to teach effectively.

Students should pursue structured study through a curriculum that progresses step by step through the various Islamic sciences. They should actively engage in their studies, ask questions when matters are unclear, and always reflect on how to apply what they learn.

One should not feel shy about asking questions when one does not know. At the same time, one should strive to act upon the knowledge they acquire so that it improves their character and conduct.

Students should also observe the etiquette of learning from teachers and strive to adopt the good character and noble qualities they witness in them.

Related

• What Are Key Reference Works on the Adab of Seeking Knowledge? – Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
• What is Beneficial Islamic Knowledge? – The Virtues of Knowledge in the Sunna from Birgivi’s Tariqa Muhammadiyya – Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
• Shaykh Faraz Rabbani on Seeking Beneficial Knowledge
• Prophetic Habits – Pursuing Sacred Knowledge – Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

And Allah is the giver of success and facilitation.
[Shaykh] Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani is a recognized specialist scholar in the Islamic sciences, having studied under leading scholars from around the world. He is the Founder and Executive Director of SeekersGuidance.

Shaykh Faraz stands as a distinguished figure in Islamic scholarship. His journey in seeking knowledge is marked by dedication and depth. He spent ten years studying under some of the most revered scholars of our times. His initial studies took place in Damascus. He then continued in Amman, Jordan.

In Damascus, he was privileged to learn from the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas. Shaykh Adib al-Kallas was renowned as the foremost theologian of his time. Shaykh Faraz also studied under Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi in Damascus. Shaykh Hassan is recognized as one of the leading Hanafi jurists of our era.

Upon completing his studies, Shaykh Faraz returned to Canada in 2007. His return marked a new chapter in his service to the community. He founded SeekersGuidance. The organization reflects his commitment to spreading Islamic knowledge. It aims to be reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible. This mission addresses both online and on-the-ground needs.

Shaykh Faraz is also an accomplished author. His notable work includes “Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School,” which was published by White Thread Press in 2004 and is a significant contribution to Islamic literature.

His influence extends beyond his immediate community. Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been recognized as one of the 500 most influential Muslims. This recognition comes from the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center. It underscores his impact on the global Islamic discourse.

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani’s life and work embody a profound commitment to Islamic scholarship. His teachings continue to enlighten and guide seekers of knowledge worldwide.